Hello fellow math enthusiasts! My name is Shari McCormick and I am currently teaching 7th grade at Franklin Middle School in BCPS. I originally graduated from Towson State University with a degree in education. I thought I wanted to teach little kids until I began student teaching. Soon after, I became a long term substitute at Deep Creek Middle School and loved it. Towson University(they dropped the "State") took me back and I earned my teaching certificate for Secondary Mathematics.
My teaching career began in Hanover County, VA where I taught both middle and high school. After some reflection, I decided that even though I like the higher level mathematics, middle school was my calling. I took 7 years off to have 4 beautiful children and moved back to Baltimore where we had really cheap babysitters, aka grandparents.
I returned to teaching at Gerstell Academy in Finksburg. Though I loved the students and parents, the days were too long for a mom of 4 children. That brings me to my current position at Franklin Middle. Oddly enough, Franklin is my Alma Mater and I am teaching in my 8th grade French classroom. I must say that I am enjoying middle school much more now than I did 28 years ago!
Learning Task #2
When reading about Web 2.0 I couldn't help but compare it to the levels of SAMR which I researched for Task #1. Web 1.0 is similar to the Substitution level, as the computer is just a tool to deliver information. Web 2.0 is similar to the Redefinition level because it takes the focus off of the computer and onto the interaction of the World Wide Web. Interaction is now taking place between large groups of people and the sharing of ideas, which was once inconceivable. Software and applications are available on the web which makes the caliber of your PC less important than it was with Web 1.0.
Learning Task #4 10) Factor Trees Factor Trees can be used to define prime factors as well as assist in finding Greatest Common Factor and Least Common Multiple. 6.NS.4
9) Line of Best Fit This can be used to create and graph equations in 2 variables A.CED.2 and reinforces that the graph shows the solutions as the set of all ordered pairs in the coordinate plane. A-REI.10. This can also be used to display statistical data on a scatter plot and formally find a line of best fit. 8.SP.4
8) Adjustable Spinner This spinner allows students to approximate probability by collecting data and observing long term frequency. 7.SP.6 They can use this to create a theoretical model and compare it to the experimental data. 7.SP.7
7) Area & Perimeter Students can manipulate 2 dimensional figures and explore perimeter and area. They can deconstruct the figure into rectangles in order to find area and perimeter. 6.G
6) Probability Simulator Students can use this tool to investigate the probability of compound events. 7.SP.8.a They can investigate the likelihood of an event occurring. 7.SP.5
5) Modeling Add. and Sub. Equations Numbers and their opposites are reinforced as an extension of inverse operations. 6.NS.5 Students solve one-step equations with addition and subtraction. 6.EE.7
4) Thinking Blocks-Ratio and Proportion This is helpful in assisting students in using proportional relationships to solve multi-step ratio problems. 7.RP.3
3) Function Machine This will define the function as each input having exactly one, distinct output. 8.F.1 Students are able to construct a linear relationship between two quantities. 8.F.4
1) Transformations Workshop Students will be able to experiment to verify properties of translations, reflections and rotations. 8.G.1 They will see that a series of translations, reflections and rotations involving 2-dimensional figures will result in congruent figures. This tool also lets the students describe a series of transformations that will move a figure from its pre-image to its image. 8.G.2 This also shows the effect of transformations on coordinates in the Cartesian plane. 8.G.3
Lesson #1: 100 Meter Dash: Curves of Best Fit
After the unit on linear, quadratic and exponential functions, the students will do a project on collecting and graphing data. To introduce the project I will show the video and as a class we will make a conjecture about whether the data forms a linear, quadratic or exponential trend. To accommodate the video, I will give them a list of the years and the times of the medal winners. Using graphing calculators they will plot the points and determine the curve of best fit and extrapolate data to find out what the time is projected to be in 2024. The students will use this real world example as a model of what they are expected to do for their projects. (I actually did this project last year and now I will be using this video as an intro!)
Lesson #2: 100 Meter Freestyle: Rate of Change This video would be used in my Math 7 class as an intro to slope. Rather than begin by defining slope as a mathematical equation, we will use this to generate discussion. "What is happening in this trend?", ""Do you notice a pattern?", "Are the times increasing or decreasing?", "Can you think of other real life situations that would have this trend?" The students will be given a copy of the screen shot with all of the swimmers as well as their time. As a class we will choose 2 swimmers that competed in subsequent Olympics and calculate the change in the times and notice the difference in the years. We will do the same in the next example, but look at the earliest swimmer as compared to the most recent swimmer. "What do you notice about the change in times as compared to the number of years?" "If this trend continues, make a conjecture about how fast a swimmer in 2028 would complete the 100 Meter Freestyle." From this example we will discover the formula for slope and talk about why it is a rate of change. Other examples will be given with positive slopes, zero slopes and undefined slopes. As an extension the students will describe a real life example and discuss the type of slope.
Lesson #3: The Long Jump: A Look at Statistical Data
As part of the Math 7 and Algebra I curriculum, the students are required to analyze statistical data. After looking at examples of measures of central tendency, I would show this clip to start a discussion of what they notice about the distribution of data. The students could work together to look at the data and make predictions about the mean, median and mode, without actually doing calculations. After we talk about the predictions, the class would be given a list of the times and asked to calculate mean, median, mode and range. From there the class would represent this data in a box and whisker plot. "How would this information be helpful?", "Who might want to use this data?", "Are there any outliers?", "Would you be able to predict what would happen in the next Olympic? Why or why not?". As an extension, the students would collect class data on their long jumps. They would repeat the process of finding the measures of central tendency and creating a box and whisker plot. It would be fun to compare both of the box and whisker plots!
Teacher can sign up a class and keep track of progress
Students can see their own progress and earn badges
Students/Teachers can search by concept or grade
Allows for assistance if needed(hints, video tutorials)
Shows progression of videos and how far the student has progressed
Teachers can search by Common Core standards
Amazing amount of concepts are covered
Cons
Does not provide lesson plans
This is mainly to increase procedural skill, not to enhance higher-level thinking
Not a lot of real world examples
And the winner is...Kahn Academy! I love that I can invite my class to join the academy and keep track of their progress. The students can earn badges and create a friendly competition. The tone is more age-appropriate for middle school students and there is a plethora of information for them to choose from. I will use this as an alternative for homework assignments as well as for students that are absent. Great resource!
Learning Task #8
Having 4 children and 2 dogs...I really wish there was a way to re-record the audio and not the screens!
I loved the 4th video on the Testmov demo! I was watching it at 1:30am and I thought my brain had completely given up. It made me laugh...and go to bed! =) Quadratics Quiz
MOBILE APPS Buzz Math
This app has over 3,000 math problems aligned with CCSS. Both teachers and parents can sign up for this app. There is a fee for parents, but a lot of the resources are free for teachers and students. Topics covered include statistical data, linear equations, geometry, coordinate systems, and many more. There are a variety of input styles and students have an infinite number of retries. The animations are fantastic and the problems used are well done. Teachers can use it in their classrooms or send individual assignments to students. A class subscription can be bought, but the free resources are excellent. This app could be used in any middle school math class as well as Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II. Love it!
Geogebra
The possibilities for this app range from elementary to higher level education. This is a free app available to teachers and students. Topics include graphing, algebraic equations/factoring, trigonometry, calculus, reflections, constructing polygons, etc. When I first heard that BCPS was moving away from Geometer's Sketchpad to Geogebra I was upset because I was comfortable with Sketchpad. Now that I have explored Geogebra, I will make the transition this year! The problems are dynamic and the interface is user-friendly. Teachers can create assignments for students to complete, and students can create projects. Excellent resource.
Math Training
I really like this app because so many of my students are lacking on their mental math skills and basic facts. The name itself reinforces what I tell my students all the time - you have to exercise your brain just like the rest of your body. This app can be used for students of all ages. Users are able to set their backgrounds and music to give it a personal touch. "Best scores" are visible so students can try to achieve beyond what they have before. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and area are the main focus. Though the app only focuses on whole numbers, if students are strong with their whole number operations, then rational number operations will be easier. This is a free app.
Riddles, Brain Teasers, and Logic
Students of all ability levels can use this app. Though some puzzles will take longer than others, all can be solved. Collaboration with other students or family members is inherent in this type of activity. Stuck? Ask the person next to you! It is a fun, challenging way to exercise the logic part of your brain. Answers are available if needed. The app is free, but once you get past a certain point and need more answers there is a charge. Great activity for early finishers, extra credit, warm-up, or just for fun.
y homework?
Students in Pre-Algebra, Algebra and Geometry will greatly benefit from this app. Whether a student is having difficulty solving a linear equation, or just wants to make sure the work is correct, this app will help with every step of the process. Enter an equation and the app will show a step by step solution to the problem. This is incredibly helpful with problems involving the distributive property and combining like terms. Students can use higher level thinking skills as they evaluate their work and compare it to the solution. Finding their own errors in a "safe" environment will promote learning and confidence.
Hello fellow math enthusiasts! My name is Shari McCormick and I am currently teaching 7th grade at Franklin Middle School in BCPS. I originally graduated from Towson State University with a degree in education. I thought I wanted to teach little kids until I began student teaching. Soon after, I became a long term substitute at Deep Creek Middle School and loved it. Towson University(they dropped the "State") took me back and I earned my teaching certificate for Secondary Mathematics.
My teaching career began in Hanover County, VA where I taught both middle and high school. After some reflection, I decided that even though I like the higher level mathematics, middle school was my calling. I took 7 years off to have 4 beautiful children and moved back to Baltimore where we had really cheap babysitters, aka grandparents.
I returned to teaching at Gerstell Academy in Finksburg. Though I loved the students and parents, the days were too long for a mom of 4 children. That brings me to my current position at Franklin Middle. Oddly enough, Franklin is my Alma Mater and I am teaching in my 8th grade French classroom. I must say that I am enjoying middle school much more now than I did 28 years ago!
Learning Task #1 (submitted through email)
Learning Task #2
When reading about Web 2.0 I couldn't help but compare it to the levels of SAMR which I researched for Task #1. Web 1.0 is similar to the Substitution level, as the computer is just a tool to deliver information. Web 2.0 is similar to the Redefinition level because it takes the focus off of the computer and onto the interaction of the World Wide Web. Interaction is now taking place between large groups of people and the sharing of ideas, which was once inconceivable. Software and applications are available on the web which makes the caliber of your PC less important than it was with Web 1.0.
Today's Meet
Kidblog
Learning Task #3
Exponent Glogster
Prezi - Quadratic Solutions
Learning Task #4
10) Factor Trees Factor Trees can be used to define prime factors as well as assist in finding Greatest Common Factor and Least Common Multiple. 6.NS.4
9) Line of Best Fit This can be used to create and graph equations in 2 variables A.CED.2 and reinforces that the graph shows the solutions as the set of all ordered pairs in the coordinate plane. A-REI.10. This can also be used to display statistical data on a scatter plot and formally find a line of best fit. 8.SP.4
8) Adjustable Spinner This spinner allows students to approximate probability by collecting data and observing long term frequency. 7.SP.6 They can use this to create a theoretical model and compare it to the experimental data. 7.SP.7
7) Area & Perimeter Students can manipulate 2 dimensional figures and explore perimeter and area. They can deconstruct the figure into rectangles in order to find area and perimeter. 6.G
6) Probability Simulator Students can use this tool to investigate the probability of compound events. 7.SP.8.a They can investigate the likelihood of an event occurring. 7.SP.5
5) Modeling Add. and Sub. Equations Numbers and their opposites are reinforced as an extension of inverse operations. 6.NS.5 Students solve one-step equations with addition and subtraction. 6.EE.7
4) Thinking Blocks-Ratio and Proportion This is helpful in assisting students in using proportional relationships to solve multi-step ratio problems. 7.RP.3
3) Function Machine This will define the function as each input having exactly one, distinct output. 8.F.1 Students are able to construct a linear relationship between two quantities. 8.F.4
2) Modeling Multi-step Equations Students will use algebra tiles to solve multi-step linear equations. 8.EE.7b
1) Transformations Workshop Students will be able to experiment to verify properties of translations, reflections and rotations. 8.G.1 They will see that a series of translations, reflections and rotations involving 2-dimensional figures will result in congruent figures. This tool also lets the students describe a series of transformations that will move a figure from its pre-image to its image. 8.G.2 This also shows the effect of transformations on coordinates in the Cartesian plane. 8.G.3
Learning Task #5
Student Google Form
Parent/Guardian Google Form
Learning Task #6
Text2Mind Map
Mathematician Padlet
Rubik's Popplet
Learning Task #7
Lesson #1: 100 Meter Dash: Curves of Best Fit
After the unit on linear, quadratic and exponential functions, the students will do a project on collecting and graphing data. To introduce the project I will show the video and as a class we will make a conjecture about whether the data forms a linear, quadratic or exponential trend. To accommodate the video, I will give them a list of the years and the times of the medal winners. Using graphing calculators they will plot the points and determine the curve of best fit and extrapolate data to find out what the time is projected to be in 2024. The students will use this real world example as a model of what they are expected to do for their projects. (I actually did this project last year and now I will be using this video as an intro!)
Lesson #2: 100 Meter Freestyle: Rate of Change
This video would be used in my Math 7 class as an intro to slope. Rather than begin by defining slope as a mathematical equation, we will use this to generate discussion. "What is happening in this trend?", ""Do you notice a pattern?", "Are the times increasing or decreasing?", "Can you think of other real life situations that would have this trend?" The students will be given a copy of the screen shot with all of the swimmers as well as their time. As a class we will choose 2 swimmers that competed in subsequent Olympics and calculate the change in the times and notice the difference in the years. We will do the same in the next example, but look at the earliest swimmer as compared to the most recent swimmer. "What do you notice about the change in times as compared to the number of years?" "If this trend continues, make a conjecture about how fast a swimmer in 2028 would complete the 100 Meter Freestyle." From this example we will discover the formula for slope and talk about why it is a rate of change. Other examples will be given with positive slopes, zero slopes and undefined slopes. As an extension the students will describe a real life example and discuss the type of slope.
Lesson #3: The Long Jump: A Look at Statistical Data
As part of the Math 7 and Algebra I curriculum, the students are required to analyze statistical data. After looking at examples of measures of central tendency, I would show this clip to start a discussion of what they notice about the distribution of data. The students could work together to look at the data and make predictions about the mean, median and mode, without actually doing calculations. After we talk about the predictions, the class would be given a list of the times and asked to calculate mean, median, mode and range. From there the class would represent this data in a box and whisker plot. "How would this information be helpful?", "Who might want to use this data?", "Are there any outliers?", "Would you be able to predict what would happen in the next Olympic? Why or why not?". As an extension, the students would collect class data on their long jumps. They would repeat the process of finding the measures of central tendency and creating a box and whisker plot. It would be fun to compare both of the box and whisker plots!
Learn Zillion
Solving Equations
Relate Angles and Transversals
Percent Increase and Decrease
Pros
- Videos show typed words in addition to speech
- They address the common mistakes
- Lesson plans give option for differentiation
- Teachers can search by grade, topic or Common Core Standard
- Real World examples are given
- Resource is free and can assist teachers, students and parents
- Extra practice is given for students
ConsKahn Academy
Euclid: The Father of our Geometry
Writing Expressions
[[https://www.khanacademy.org/mission/probability/task/5265759040700416|Average Word Problems]]
Pros
- Teacher can sign up a class and keep track of progress
- Students can see their own progress and earn badges
- Students/Teachers can search by concept or grade
- Allows for assistance if needed(hints, video tutorials)
- Shows progression of videos and how far the student has progressed
- Teachers can search by Common Core standards
- Amazing amount of concepts are covered
ConsAnd the winner is...Kahn Academy! I love that I can invite my class to join the academy and keep track of their progress. The students can earn badges and create a friendly competition. The tone is more age-appropriate for middle school students and there is a plethora of information for them to choose from. I will use this as an alternative for homework assignments as well as for students that are absent. Great resource!
Learning Task #8
Having 4 children and 2 dogs...I really wish there was a way to re-record the audio and not the screens!
Graphing Lines Using Slope-Intercept
Simplifying Radicals
Learning Task #9
Poll Everywhere
I loved the 4th video on the Testmov demo! I was watching it at 1:30am and I thought my brain had completely given up. It made me laugh...and go to bed! =)
Quadratics Quiz
Learning Task #10
Web 2.0 Project
MOBILE APPS
Buzz Math
This app has over 3,000 math problems aligned with CCSS. Both teachers and parents can sign up for this app. There is a fee for parents, but a lot of the resources are free for teachers and students. Topics covered include statistical data, linear equations, geometry, coordinate systems, and many more. There are a variety of input styles and students have an infinite number of retries. The animations are fantastic and the problems used are well done. Teachers can use it in their classrooms or send individual assignments to students. A class subscription can be bought, but the free resources are excellent. This app could be used in any middle school math class as well as Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II. Love it!
Geogebra
The possibilities for this app range from elementary to higher level education. This is a free app available to teachers and students. Topics include graphing, algebraic equations/factoring, trigonometry, calculus, reflections, constructing polygons, etc. When I first heard that BCPS was moving away from Geometer's Sketchpad to Geogebra I was upset because I was comfortable with Sketchpad. Now that I have explored Geogebra, I will make the transition this year! The problems are dynamic and the interface is user-friendly. Teachers can create assignments for students to complete, and students can create projects. Excellent resource.
Math Training
I really like this app because so many of my students are lacking on their mental math skills and basic facts. The name itself reinforces what I tell my students all the time - you have to exercise your brain just like the rest of your body. This app can be used for students of all ages. Users are able to set their backgrounds and music to give it a personal touch. "Best scores" are visible so students can try to achieve beyond what they have before. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and area are the main focus. Though the app only focuses on whole numbers, if students are strong with their whole number operations, then rational number operations will be easier. This is a free app.
Riddles, Brain Teasers, and Logic
Students of all ability levels can use this app. Though some puzzles will take longer than others, all can be solved. Collaboration with other students or family members is inherent in this type of activity. Stuck? Ask the person next to you! It is a fun, challenging way to exercise the logic part of your brain. Answers are available if needed. The app is free, but once you get past a certain point and need more answers there is a charge. Great activity for early finishers, extra credit, warm-up, or just for fun.
y homework?
Students in Pre-Algebra, Algebra and Geometry will greatly benefit from this app. Whether a student is having difficulty solving a linear equation, or just wants to make sure the work is correct, this app will help with every step of the process. Enter an equation and the app will show a step by step solution to the problem. This is incredibly helpful with problems involving the distributive property and combining like terms. Students can use higher level thinking skills as they evaluate their work and compare it to the solution. Finding their own errors in a "safe" environment will promote learning and confidence.
Mobile Math Apps Glogster